Windows 8: Microsoft lifecycle

The end of extended support for Win XP led to my replacing two systems. I bought a laptop that shipped with Win 8.1. I subsequently bought a desktop that shipped with Win 8. It was advertised as upgradable to Win 8.1. My upgrade was problematic, leading me to contact both vendor and manufacturer about the lack of 8.1 compliant drivers for the Broadcom wireless network adapter.

After several weeks, the vendor has accepted my complaint and offered a full refund. However, my Win 8 system is a great PC to work on and Iím one of the few that like the OSÖ.I prefer the vanilla version to 8.1. What to do?

Thinking back to 2000-01 when I returned two Win 98SE systems and one Win ME to a local branch of Dixons only to buy two dud Win 2000 computers from elsewhere Iím not eager to part with a generally pleasing PC. My major concern is the lifecycle of Windows 8 since the 8.1 upgrade.

According to Microsoft, Service Pack support for Window 8 expires on 12 Jan 2016:

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft lifecycle

You mean, remove the Broadcom adapter and install a different one with Win 8.1 compliant drivers? Itís an expensive fix for a PC I only bought a few weeks ago! I'd have to pay a local techie. On the other hand itís a possibility if I keep the PC and either download Win 8.1 or upgrade to Win 9 in the future.

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft lifecycle

There are tiny USB wifi adapters available, although I seriously doubt that compliant Broadcom drivers aren't available direct from Broadcom. AFAIK, Win 8 will be discontinued shortly just like Win XP, so Win 8.1 is where you should be.

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft lifecycle

What exactly does this mean? Will security patches for Win 8 cease in Jan 2016 as they did for Win XP last month?

The product falls under the same lifecycle policy as Windows 8 with support ending 1/10/2023. However, customers have 24 months to move to Windows 8.1 after General Availability in order to remain supported. See the Windows 8.1 FAQ for more information.

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft lifecycle

Well, I spent a week searching for a compliant before contacting vendor and manufacturer. A quick Google shows other users have endured the same problem. The manufacturer could have directed me towards a driverÖbut didnít! Thereís certainly nothing available from the website.

Iím tempted to have another go but Iíve other things to do that demand the use of a PC. Iíve been offered a refund or exchange for a Win 8.1 system of similar spec from a different manufacturer. Which of these would you go for?

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft lifecycle

Spec wise the cheaper one is quite a bit better as far as I can see but the more expensive one looks a lot nicer, and looks like it can fold down to be used more touch-wise, I bet the screen is better quality on both display and touch.

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft lifecycle

Yes! JL has given me the choice of those two systemsÖor a full refund. Frankly, I donít have time for a refund. Furthermore, JL have handled a difficult problem well, accepting my findings rather than the word of a manufacturer.

Iíve spent most of the last 24 hours looking for reviews of the two systems, though thereís nothing that looks at the exact specs available from JL. Itís a mixed bag:

For the most part, Iíd opt for performance over prettiness. As we agree from the JL links, the C60 is highly spec, surprising high for a relatively low-cost PC. However, reviews and the stated weight of 8 kilos do give the impression of a cheap, flimsy build.

There is another factor. The reason for the refund offer is the want of a Win 8.1 compliant wireless network adapter driver from Broadcom. I would not have bought the Win 8 system had the product page not clearly stated it was fully upgradable. I wish I could avoid the Broadcom/8.1 configuration even with the OS preinstalled.